The American Metropolis of the Genuine Greek Orthodox Church of America is an autonomous [[diocese]] of the [[Church of the Genuine Orthodox Christians of Greece]] (GOC). It is also known as the Hellenic Orthodox Traditionalist Church of America, or simply as the Greek Old Calendarist Church.

The American Metropolis of the Genuine Greek Orthodox Church of America is an autonomous [[diocese]] of the [[Church of the Genuine Orthodox Christians of Greece]] (GOC). It is also known as the Hellenic Orthodox Traditionalist Church of America, or simply as the Greek Old Calendarist Church.

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Prior to the establishment of this diocese, there were still several independent Greek parishes in North America that had not been regularized by [[Athenagoras I (Spyrou) of Constantinople|Archbishop Athenagoras]], who had been going from parish to parish for several years, bringing independents into the fold of the [[Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America|Greek Archdiocese]]. These independent parishes sometimes looked to Greece for [[priest]]s, and sometimes turned to [[episcopi vagantes|vagante bishops]] such as Christopher Contogeorge. The situation in general in the 1930's and 40's was one of ecclesiastical confusion, and [[Church Calendar|Old Calendarism]] ''per se'' could be seen in some cases as a side effect of the parish remaining independent rather than as a purely idealogical position.

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Prior to the establishment of this diocese, there were still several independent Greek parishes in North America that had not been regularized by [[Athenagoras I (Spyrou) of Constantinople|Archbishop Athenagoras]], who had been going from parish to parish for several years, bringing independents into the fold of the [[Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America|Greek Archdiocese]]. These independent parishes sometimes looked to Greece for [[priest]]s, and sometimes turned to [[episcopi vagantes|vagante bishops]] such as [[Christopher (Contogeorge) of Pentapolis|Christopher Contogeorge]]. The situation in general in the 1930's and 40's was one of ecclesiastical confusion, and [[Church Calendar|Old Calendarism]] ''per se'' could be seen in some cases as a side effect of the parish remaining independent rather than as a purely idealogical position.

== Arrival of Archimandrite Petros ==

== Arrival of Archimandrite Petros ==

Revision as of 01:05, July 14, 2011

The Genuine Greek Orthodox Church of America is an Old Calendarist church with several parishes in the United States.

Prior to the establishment of this diocese, there were still several independent Greek parishes in North America that had not been regularized by Archbishop Athenagoras, who had been going from parish to parish for several years, bringing independents into the fold of the Greek Archdiocese. These independent parishes sometimes looked to Greece for priests, and sometimes turned to vagante bishops such as Christopher Contogeorge. The situation in general in the 1930's and 40's was one of ecclesiastical confusion, and Old Calendarismper se could be seen in some cases as a side effect of the parish remaining independent rather than as a purely idealogical position.

Archimandrite Petros began to gather various independent parishes until a diocese was formed. During this time, he was under the Metropolia and then the ROCOR. Two ROCOR bishops--Seraphim and Leonty--consecrated him to the episcopacy in November 1962. This consecration was not technically canonical, as it was done in secret; however, by 1969 the ROCOR had recognized the necessity of this and other Old Calendarist consecrations, and recognized the Greek Old Calendarist bishops. At this time, Metropolitan Petros joined with the Synod in Greece officially.

Dispute over Grace

In 1974, the Synod of the Greek Old Calendarist Church reiterated its belief that the New Calendar Church was schismatic and devoid of grace. Metropolitan Petros was opposed to this decision and asked the ROCOR bishops what to do, since they had consecrated him, and his consecration certificate stated that he would defer to the Synod if any question arose. While this may seem a simplistic reasoning, the Metropolitan was concerned about keeping his pledge.

Reunion in 1985

In 1985, Metropolitan Petros began talks with the Synod culminating in his return to the Synod. He was given a title of Metropolitan of Astoria, which was irregular since Metropolitan Paisios, the Metropolitan of North and South America, resided down the street. Nevertheless, this was an attempt to find peace in the church, which lasted until Metropolitan Paisios left the Synod again in 1995 to join the Lamian Synod, and then from it the Athanasian Synod, and finally found himself joining the Ecumenical Patriarchate in 1998. From 1995 on, Metropolitan Petros can be considered as the Metropolitan of North and South America.

In February 2006, Metropolitan Pavlos suffered a stroke and was incapacitated. The Archbishop became locum tenens and at present no move is being made until the extent of Metropolitan Pavlos's recovery is known. As of December 2006, there has been tremendous progress in Metropolitan Pavlos's recovery.

Currently there are 10 parishes and 5 missions in the U.S, and 1 parish in Quebec, Canada.